Bison knocks woman to the ground as Yellowstone reopens to visitors, park says
A woman was knocked to the ground by a bison Wednesday after approaching the large animal at Yellowstone National Park, park officials say.
The woman was visiting Old Faithful and came within 25 feet of the bison, according to a National Park Service news release. Bison are huge animals that can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and can run up to 30 miles per hour, according to the park.
“Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park are wild,” the park said. “When an animal is near a trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in a developed area, give it space. Stay 25 yards away from all large animals — bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes and at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves.”
Park officials responded to the incident, but the woman refused to get checked at a medical facility, according to the park.
It is the first known incident of a bison injuring a visitor in 2020, the park said. Yellowstone partially reopened Monday after being shut off to all visitors because of the coronavirus pandemic.
